re: is the Republican Party's demise overblown?

These things are cyclic, however. Hopefully, the principles of the republican party attract voters in the near future. All it takes is a great leader. The republicans don't have one right now. The democrats do.

I like Rand Paul, but I have no idea about his capability as an executive. He's a privileged son that has grown up around the game and knows the lingo. If he could demonstrate that his approach actually works, then he's got a ton of potential.

GOP is fine. Romney is a CEO and not a politician. There are many things you can look at for why he lost, but I don't think it is GOP related (besides a poorly run campaign). Be the party of lower taxes and limited government and they should be fine. I prefer Rand Paul, but I think Rubio has the most realistic chance at winning.

re: is the Republican Party's demise overblown?(Posted by Navytiger74 on 1/21/13 at 1:55 am to weagle99)

The "demise" of the republican party is overblown. These things are truly cyclical.

I will say that changes are definitely going to have to come if the GOP is to remain competitive in national races. Thankfully, that change is all but inevitable at this point. Older folks are going die, retire, etc., and younger conservatives have much more pragmatic views on governance.

Yes. Anytime a political party loses an important election, the talking head talk about the demise of that party. It all runs in cycles. However, if Bobby Jindal is the best the Republican Party can do, then they're screwed.

re: is the Republican Party's demise overblown?(Posted by SM6 on 1/21/13 at 10:30 am to weagle99)

Demise?!?! LOL NO.

Is it lessening in popularity? Absolutely. The party needs to refine and rebrand its message. Too many great positions (smaller government, less taxes, small business growth) are being overshadowed by emphasizing things like gay marriage bans, absolute abortion bans (hell the Republican party nominated a candidate who said a woman can prevent pregnancy by rape on her own!!) and kicking all the immigrants out. All these stances push away the moderate voter which is now the swing constituency.

The party needs to sell itself as the party of inclusion and opportunity, not exclusion.

re: is the Republican Party's demise overblown?(Posted by SCUBABlake on 1/21/13 at 8:43 pm to texashorn)

Veasey also ran a hell of a race and had a much better ground game than Garcia did. Garcia sat on his arse and didn't take it seriously.

As far as the Hispanic answer in Texas... The GOP is throwing a lot of eggs in the George P. basket. He has what it takes, and in just over a month after filing he got 1.2 mil in campaign contributions.

re: is the Republican Party's demise overblown?(Posted by carbola on 1/21/13 at 8:56 pm to RTR America)

quote:Be the party of lower taxes and limited government and they should be fine.

Only half of this is true sadly. The huge support the Republicans have the patriot act and things of that nature is appalling from a limited government stance. Additionally, if they were truly limited government that wouldn't want federal laws that look into what we do behind closed doors. The Republicans like a bigger defensive budget despite the fact that we outspend the next closet country by 4x the amount. In all honesty, the right likes big government just as much as the left, it just varies on which departments.